National environmental groups have a First Amendment right to campaign at any level of government they choose – federal, state or local – just as the business community, energy workers and regular citizens have free-speech rights to oppose these campaigns.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper's actions regarding oil and natural gas development make him unfit to serve as interior secretary, 11 environmental groups said in opposing his possible appointment to the position.
The groups, including at least three based in Colorado, sent an Oct. 15 letter to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton that asked her to appoint a proven climate champion as secretary of the interior, should she win the White House. The letter said the groups feel Hickenlooper, seen as an advocate of oil and gas drilling and rumored pick for the position, does not meet that criteria.